1. ACE of Florida: Adult Education Ambassadors

2. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Purpose:
To have a cadre of professionals, statewide, who have built RELATIONSHIPS with policy makers and who can ADVOCATE for adult education and adult education issues as they arise.

3. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Advocacy vs Lobbying
Advocacy: Organizations or individuals seeking to affect government on their own behalf for a cause or an issue
Not paid
Not required to register
Educating

4. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Lobbying: refers specifically to efforts to influence specific legislation.
Usually paid
Generally have to be registered
Potential funding source issues
Lobbyists are advocates but advocates are not lobbyists

5. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
What do you advocate for?
Your organization
Your ”cause”
For or against a bill
For or against language in a bill
For or against funding

6. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
WARNING…..EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
Make absolutely certain your superiors (including superintendents and presidents) know and support your advocating locally, in Tallahassee or in DC

7. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Identify your legislators
(online sunshine)
Educateandelevate.org (COABE)
Research your legislators
Meet in local office or Tallahassee

8. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Before You Go
Know YOUR purpose for going
How are you important to THEM?
How is what you do important to THEM and/or Florida?
Know your district’s, college’s, and/or organization’s position
Prepare your case/message (local/state data)
Prepare a fact sheet (2 pages max) to leave

9. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Before You Go
Make an appointment (persistent)
Limit attendees
Identify a leader
If more than two attendees – rehearse
If coming from out of town confirm the day before
Be prepared (not disappointed) to meet with a legislative assistant

10. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Before You Go
If you take a business partner
Make sure of their purpose/message
Make sure they can make YOUR case from their perspective
If you take a student:
Rehearse and time
Travel arrangements
Commitment

11. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
The Meeting
Arrive early
Treat all staff like they hold your future in their hands (sometimes they do)
One person introduces organization, attendees and purpose for visit
Thank them, up front, for their valuable time

12. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
The Meeting
You might get 15 minutes you might get more or less; stay on message and watch the time.
Be brief and to the point then let the legislator talk….as much as they want to
Offer to research and provide answers you don’t know…..then follow up
Share successes – tell your story

13. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
The Meeting
Do not bring a laundry list (legislator can add)
Do not ask about money
Do not leave promotional items
Do not argue a point
Do not press for a commitment or a position – say you would appreciate their support
Do not use jargon…speak THEIR language

14. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
After the Meeting
Leave a brief hand-out
Leave business cards
Collect business cards
Pictures are OK sometimes
Write and send thank yous
Follow up if required
Follow or connect using social media
Maintain regular (3-4 times a year) contact

15. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
So what do you talk about tomorrow?

16. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Tell your story….who you are …who you serve
Share a handout
Tell a quick success story (adult is the foundation for….)
Thank them for supporting adult education and workforce eduction
Mention specific legislation (by number) that you want them to support

17. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
I could not get an appointment; what can I do?
Find your legislators offices
Go in….introduce yourself to the receptionist……leave your card and the handout…tell the receptionist you will follow up with an or call
Sit in on a committee meeting

18. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
START TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

19. ACE/Adult Ed Ambassador Initiative
Purpose:
To have a cadre of professionals, statewide, who have built RELATIONSHIPS with policy makers and who can ADVOCATE for adult education and adult education issues as they arise.